Post by Paul

I'm taking a chance by posting this because I didn't ask permission... Paul Cardall, an incredibly talented recording artist (pianist), speaker, producer & label executive is a friend of Jason's and recently commented on "Message from Jason". He was born with tricuspid atresia and transposition of the greater arteries. He's currently on the waiting list to receive a heart transplant. He wrote to Jason:

"You are the man! I know that you're also in a difficult rut but how great is God? He is amazing! It's a strange paradox but, like you, I couldn't be more grateful for the challenges I face with my health. And thank you for your inspiration. We are praying for you also. These experiences are truly for our good and I feel closer to God. I do think our wives have the much harder part. They are saints. You are really blessed!!"

I am in awe of these incredible men who cope with their illnesses with such courage and grace. I would also like to do a big SHOUT OUT for their wives. What incredible loving, caring, generous & patient women they have been blessed to marry. While I don't know Paul's wife personally, I know Stephanie and Lynette are two of God's angels on this earth!

(Check out Paul's blog at http://mytricuspidatresia.blogspot.com/)

It also gives me pause to reflect on all the many caregivers: wives to their husbands; husbands to their wives; parents to ill or handicapped children; children to their elderly parents...so many who give their love & support every day to care for those they love. God bless you all!

Special Delivery to Carla

This is Carla Nogales. She has just been dianosed with ovarian cancer. She too, has received one of Jason's very special blankets of hope!! Thank you so much, Jason!! You are inspiring so many!! Carla is overgoing her second series of Chemo. She's a trooper!!



Delivered by Sheila Agnew

Delivery to Alta View Hospital

Today I took my daughter Erin (right) and her friend Gracie (left) to Alta View Hospital to deliver 23 "Juniors". This time we left them with Tarian Auker, the Director of Volunteer Services at the hospital. She thanked us for the donation and assured us that she would get them to patients in need of some "cheering up" this holiday season!

To date, we have delivered nearly 200 "Juniors" and blankets! Look what great things we can do when we work together! Thanks again to the donations of so many wonderful people inspired by Jason. Sometimes we don't fully realize the impact we can have on others but I hope Jason is starting to get a glimpse of the impact he's having on us.

We love you Jason!

Message from Jason

Occasionally, someone will ask "How does handing out dogs and blankets help Jason?" So I asked him and this is what he said...

"One of the most difficult things for me to deal with on a daily basis is the fact that there is very little that I can do to get out and do some good. Physically, I just can't be counted on for daily things. This is how "Inspired by Jason" helps me- it makes me feel as though I am contributing to something, even though I'm not really doing anything physically. The simple fact that I have inspired someone to do something, physically, is what helps me get through each day. It helps give me...... meaning. Without the site, I wouldn't have any proof that there was something that I was doing. People say that they are inspired, and I believe them, but to actually have something that I KNOW helps people, that I have some part in, gives me something to feel good about each day- especially those times when I'm really feeling like I'm just "taking up space".

Thank you for this wonderful gift. You will never really understand how much it means to me."

Meet Krissy

Everyone who has ever met Krissy Bates, loves her! She is a young woman, age 27, with down syndrome who LOVES Jason. Whenever I ask if anyone would like to donate to Gifts of Hope & Comfort, inspired by Jason in Relief Society, Krissy's hand shoots up and she hollers "I do!". She would do anything to help Jason get better. Today I gave Krissy one of the Gifts of Hope & Comfort...a little "Junior" of her own. She hugs and loves it, and while it is very soft and cuddly, I know it means so much to her because of Jason. It includes a tag with Jason's picture and story.

I asked Krissy, "What is it you love about Jason?" and this is what she said...

"I love Jason, his wife and kids and want them to be happy. He tells me I'm an angel. I pray for Jason to save his life. He is a sweet guy and a good friend. I want to give him a hug because he's nice to everyone. I miss him so much. We talk about our problems because that's what friends do. He always makes me happy and gives me a great feeling in my heart."

Thank you Krissy for sharing your feelings about Jason with me!

Sunday Delivery

This afternoon my son Ty (age 15) and I made a delivery of about 10 blankets and 12 dogs.

First stop was back to the Burn Unit at the University of Utah Hospital. This was our first stop when we started our deliveries on Halloween. We left 3 dogs and 4 blankets. They mentioned a child by the name of "Zach". If my memory serves me correctly, that may be the same small child that was there on Halloween - 5 weeks ago! That breaks my heart.

Our next stop was Huntsman Cancer Hospital. We went straight to the two floors with patients.

One floor took 5 dogs and we left the remainder of dogs and blankets with the last floor we visited. They assured us that they would get them ALL into good hands.

Thanks again to the hospital staff that care for their patients!

"Junior" Delivery

Thanks to Julianne Wallace, fifty-five children at Shriners Hospital for Children and Primary Children's Medical Center will receive their own "Junior" courtesy of Intermountain Therapy Dogs. We are confident each "Junior" will find a loving home and provide much needed comfort!

Salt Lake Regional Medical Center Delivery

Thanks to Jewelle Roberts, several "Juniors" and blankets were delivered to patients in need at Salt Lake Regional Medical Center. Thanks Jewelle for your help!

Deliveries by Jason & Steph

This was a comment left on Jason's blog the day he went home.

We've never met, but I met Stephanie in the hallway at the hospital. You gave my grandson a puppy. My dad, who is in the room next to you, is leaving today too. He will be going to a rehab center in Bountiful for about a month. I hope you don't care, but I'd like to tell your story when I talk in Sacrament meeting on Sunday. You have inspired me, I've never been grateful that I can eat and drink before hearing your story. Good luck on your recovery at home. Nicole

Jason wrote....I was told of a 25-ish yr. old girl that has been here for 3 months already and is in the process of prepping for another surgery that will only add to her stay. Funny how whenever you feel like you have it tough, there's always someone else that is much much worse. The hospital is the perfect place to get humbled. Spend some time here and you quickly realize how blessed you really are- at least that's the way that I've felt:)

Picture: nurse Nikki with gifts for 25-year-old patient.

Sunday Afternoon

What a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon. We visited Intermountain Medical Center with the hopes of delivering some blankets and dogs named Junior. With three kids in tow, a map of the patient tower and an idea of which floors to visit, we headed up the elevators. It is so fun to listen to Judy explain to the nurses our purpose in being there and watching their expressions and body language turn from "Can I help you?" to one of understanding and joy as they try to determine which of their patients could most benefit from some "Hope and Comfort". They are touched and moved as they hear of Jason's story and his desire to spread hope and comfort to other patients.

As we were talking to some nurses, a nearby doctor overheard us and informed us that she had a patient that could use some cheering up. This patient had just had a baby who was in the NICU. She gladly accepted a beautiful blanket to present to this new mother.

We were able to deliver another blanket to a new mother in the critical care unit who was missing her baby and was so grateful for the gift. We were able to ask an elderly woman which gift she would like, and though it was difficult for her to communicate through her tubes and masks, she let us know that she would like "Junior" and then proceeded to lift one finger and wrap it around the dogs leg.

It is so fun to talk to the many nurses and support staff. They perform such an amazing service to people and you can tell they truly care about their patients. It shows in their faces.

One of the more touching moments came as we were invited into an elderly patients room. As we explained to the nurse our purpose, she directed us to the patient's son and as I turned to hand him a "Junior", his eyes were full and he couldn't speak he was so filled with emotion. This caught me off guard and I too could no longer speak. I just held his hand and for a brief moment we had a very human connection. He invited us to come visit with his father who explained to us that he once had a yorkie. It was obvious the son was trying to be strong for his father, but he would have to turn away as his emotions got the best of him. It made me reflect on how difficult it is to watch our loved ones experience the trials of mortality and yet we are not meant to go through this alone. We all need each other.

I know Jason is so grateful to those who surround and support him! Please know that you are inspiring so many people. The kids want to know when they can go again.

An Honor to Serve

At a time when people are concerned about the economy and where our country is headed, I am impressed by the people I come across that are generous and humble and eager to give back.

Yesterday, while purchasing fabric for our "Little Piece of Heaven's", I shared Jason's story of courage, strength and charity and they offered to provide the fabric at 50% off.

I have had others request to purchase & offer a generous donation for the items for family members or friends who are either hospital bound or struggling, who feel that these items may provide comfort and inspiration to those they care about.

What an honor it is to serve!

Correction on Dog Donation

While it was the Giacovelli's who delivered the 55 dogs to my door step, the donation was actually made by Intermountain Therapy Dogs. We'd like to thank them for them for their generosity. After reading Jason's blog, they felt these dogs looked like Jason's dog Junior and wanted to participate.

Thanks to Julianne Wallace, all 55 dogs have been "tagged" and will be distributed soon!

Thanks again to everyone for your participation!

Dog Donation

Thanks to the Giacovelli's, we have an additional 55 "Juniors" to deliver. Thank you so much for your generosity!

Delivery by Jason & Steph

Today we received a bag of "Juniors" (dogs) and a stack of "A little Piece of Heaven" (blankets) for Jason and I to deliver to nurses stations at the U of U Hospital. Jason and I took the elevator to the 2nd floor and delivered them to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. The nurses informed us that there are 47 babies in the Newborn Intensive Care Unit and 47 mothers anxiously waiting to hold their babies. Due to patient privacy regulations we can't deliver them directly to the patients or their families. Jason and I felt so grateful for the opportunity to deliver the beautiful blankets and adorable dogs to them. We both felt so good sending these gifts of hope, comfort and encouragement to those who may be needing them. We are so grateful to all of the friends, family, and neighbors who have contributed to this wonderful labor of love.

Posted by Stephanie on "Jasonslifeisgood.blogspot.com"

Donations & Delivery

Donations continue to roll in! Just another manifestation of the love & admiration for Jason and his family.

A bag of "Juniors" (dogs) and a stack of "A little Piece of Heaven" (blankets) were provided to Janet (Jason's mother) today for her and Steph to deliver to nurses stations at the U of U Hospital. Due to patient privacy regulations, we can't deliver them directly to the patients. Janet thought it would be nice for Jason to deliver some as well, depending on how he is feeling. After reading his blog today, sounds like today may not be a good day but there's always tomorrow!

Thanks to all those who donated today! While donations so far have all come from the Brighton 5th Ward members, other family and friends may donate one of two ways. Checks should be made out to "Inspired by Jason".

1. Mail donations to:
Inspired by Jason
1042 E. Ft. Union #142
SLC, UT 84047

2. Drop off donation to America First Credit Union, account "Inspired by Jason"

If you have questions, please contact Judy via email at inspiredbyjason@yahoo.com.

Another delivery of "Juniors" is scheduled this week to Primary Children's Hospital.

Friends feed each other's spirits and dreams and hopes; they feed each other with the things a soul needs to live. Glen Harrington-Hall

Labor of Love

As we begin delivering the Gifts of Hope & Comfort Inspired by Jason, I want to thank all those who have helped get this off the ground. It's been a busy week! We've collected nearly 30 dogs (Junior), purchased the fabric for over 20 lap quilts (A Little Piece of Heaven), created and printed the tags and they'll be delivered to patients soon. This has been a collaborative effort by many that I want to thank...

1. This would not be possible without the generous financial donations of many members of the Brighton 5th Ward. These members know Jason personally and have witnessed his struggles and been touched by his goodness. They have fasted on his behalf and pray for him daily. They love and admire Jason's courage and strength and were eager to donate.

2. Janet Reynolds, Jason's mom, for returning my phone calls to make sure this is something that would be meaningful to Jason, providing feedback, and offering to help (like she doesn't have enough on her plate). She is an incredible woman whom I love and admire!

3. My mother, Doris Olsen, who has donated her time and shared her talent by sewing the lap quilts. So far this week she has finished 10! I love her and want to thank her for helping and supporting me in this labor of love!

4. My husband, James, and kids, Ty & Erin. They have been so patient and understanding as I've spent my evenings (after working all day) & weekends shopping for dogs & fabric, working on the computer creating tags and setting up this blog. I have been very preoccupied as the ideas flood my mind. Thank you James for setting up the blog and email for me. I love this man and adore my kids. I have been truly blessed!

5. I am grateful to my Heavenly Father who brings such incredible people into my life. I appreciate the opportunities I have to love and serve others.

Thanks to everyone who takes the time to read and contribute to this blog. I invite you to send your stories and/or feelings on how you have been inspired by Jason to inspiredbyjason@yahoo.com. I'll post them on this blog. While we can't relieve Jason's physical pain & suffering, maybe this will help lift his spirit.

"If someone listens or stretches out a hand, or whispers a kind word of encouragement, or attempts to understand, extraordinary things begin to happen." Loretta Girzartis

Halloween - First Delivery

On Friday, October 31st, the day after receiving several financial donations from woman of the Brighton 5th Ward and with the help of Julianne Wallace, we were able to make our first delivery to the University of Utah Hospital patients on Jason's behalf. Reams Grocery Store donated 18 Mylar balloons and 3 stuffed animal dogs valuing $60.00. Each gift included a tag with Jason's inspirational story indicating the gift was being delivered on his behalf.


First Stop...the Burn Unit - 3 balloons attached to dogs were delivered to children (one of them only 2 years old). The other 2 went to adults. The nurses were thrilled!







Next we delivered 11 balloons to Neuro Critical Care, one for every patient!








Our final balloon (one popped in the car) went to a girl in Rehab who we were told has been there for a month and whose family lives out of town. She was given a balloon with a little book of HOPE. The nurse radiated joy!


All those we spoke with were touched by Jason's story and expressed concern for him and appreciation for the gesture.

We want to thank these incredible health care professionals who care for the needs of their patients with such love and tenderness. As they determined who was "most in need of cheering up" at that moment, it was apparent that they really knew and cared about each one of their patients.


It was an incredibly rewarding experience! Thank you Jason for inspiring me.